Snorkeling at Polo Beach

It’s believed that back in the day, Polo Beach was used by the early Polynesians as a field where an early, Hawaiian-style of polo was played on horses. Whether it’s true or not, it’s easy to see – with the wide, expansive sloping sandy beach and shallow waters – where a game of polo could be played.

Polo Beach sits oceanside from the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, a beautiful resort with white stucco rooms tucked fairly close to the ocean. While tourists staying at the Fairmont or resorts nearby make up the majority, locals also like this beach for its clear waters and excellent snorkeling.

It takes a minute or two to get to waist-high waters, but once you’re into clear, settled water you’ll be surprised by the amount of fish life underwater. Make sure your mask is clear – you won’t want to miss anything!

The best snorkeling is to the right of the beach area, as you face the ocean. You’ll see a natural extension of rock and lava jutting out, with some of the boulders being quite large. Take your time and don’t get too close to the rocky edges, as a large wave might surprise you and send you floundering into the rocks.

Like most of the beaches on the south side of Maui, the best snorkeling is during the early hours of the morning. Polo Beach is no different, with excellent visibility between 7am and 1pm. Afternoons are a bit rougher, especially close to the rocks where you’ll be snorkeling.

Early in the morning, I found Polo Beach to be exceptionally clear with a wide variety of fish. I saw bright Yellow Butterflyfish and the larger Pennant (Banner) Butterflyfish, with its black stripes and long extension on the top of its head. I also saw an abundance of yellow long-nose Butterflyfish and even small fish that I have not seen before.

While I did not encounter a Green Sea Turtle on my last visit, Polo Beach is noted for Hawaii’s Honu to visit the outer areas of the reef. You may need to go around the corner of the large rocks to see them, and they’re usually feeding in somewhat shallower waters closer to the shoreline.

Look above the water at the rocks when you’re about 30 feet out into the water – you’ll see bright green algae growing wildly on the rocks. It grows underwater too, and this is what attracts the fish and the turtles and makes Polo Beach such a good spot to snorkel.

Snorkeling at Polo Beach can be tricky at times, especially in rougher waters in the afternoon. You’ll be tempted to get closer to the fish eating on the underwater reef for a better view, but the bigger waves can knock you into the reef and rocks and potentially damage a hand or foot. So be careful and watch for changing tides, especially in the afternoon.

Lastly, I think Polo Beach is a good snorkel area for beginning snorkelers. The water is not very deep unless you go really far out into the ocean, and you can see a variety of fish fairly close to the shoreline. Just make sure you’re comfortable with your mask, snorkel and fins --- then head on out and experience Hawaii’s wonderful underwater spectacle.

Suggestions for Polo Beach:

- If you’re driving via a vehicle, you can park at Wailea Beach Park and take a leisure stroll along the Wailea Beach Walkway to Polo Beach. It presents an incredible view of both Ka’ohalave and the West Maui mountains.

- The cabanas and lounge chairs are for the guests at the Fairmont. There’s a snorkel rental stand at the main walkway from the resort, also offering drinks and snacks. Several showers are also available.

- If you’re not staying at the Fairmont resort, put your personal stuff down toward the right as you face the ocean. The best snorkeling is in this area, and there is some high vegetation offering early-morning shade and a safe place to store your belongings.
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